SK picglobal Launches OCP-Qualified Cooling Fluid for AI Data Centers, a Groundbreaking First in Korea

SK picglobal, a chemical business invested by SKC, has officially launched HTF PG25, an eco-friendly heat transfer fluid specifically engineered for AI data centers. This innovative product is optimized for Direct-to-Chip Liquid Cooling (DLC) technology, delivering a transformative leap in cooling performance compared to traditional air cooling. Notably, HTF PG25 has become the first DLC cooling fluid in Korea—and only the second worldwide—to earn the Open Compute Project (OCP) “Inspired” supplier qualification, marking a significant milestone for the company’s global expansion and Korea’s AI infrastructure industry.

As AI technology advances at an unprecedented pace, data centers housing high-performance GPUs and CPUs face mounting thermal management challenges. Conventional air cooling systems are increasingly struggling to meet the cooling demands of high-density AI servers, creating bottlenecks for energy efficiency and operational stability. DLC technology, the target application for HTF PG25, has emerged as a game-changing solution, offering up to 10 times higher cooling efficiency than air cooling by directly targeting heat-generating components like GPUs and CPUs inside servers.

This shift toward DLC is being driven by global IT leaders, including NVIDIA, which has adopted the technology as a next-generation standard for AI data centers. Market data shows that DLC currently holds 42–47% of the global AI data center liquid cooling market share, with demand accelerating as hyperscalers race to build out AI infrastructure. HTF PG25’s optimization for DLC positions it perfectly to capitalize on this growing trend, addressing the critical need for efficient, reliable cooling in modern AI facilities.

The OCP “Inspired” qualification further validates HTF PG25’s competitiveness in the global market. Founded in 2011 by Meta (then Facebook) and now boasting over 400 member companies—including Google, Microsoft, Intel, and NVIDIA—the OCP is a leading global consortium dedicated to promoting open collaboration and standardization in data center infrastructure. The “Inspired” designation is awarded to products that comply with OCP specifications, serving as third-party validation of quality and compatibility with open data center standards. As more data center operators now require OCP-qualified solutions, this certification will significantly accelerate SK picglobal’s global market penetration.

Beyond performance and certification, environmental sustainability and safety are core strengths of HTF PG25. The fluid is formulated with SK picglobal’s flagship high-purity propylene glycol (PG), a material with a proven track record of safe use. Meeting the rigorous specifications of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), this PG ensures human safety while offering biodegradability, aligning with the global push for greener data center operations. This eco-friendly focus builds on SK picglobal’s legacy of innovation—since its re-establishment in 2020 through a joint venture between SKC and Kuwait’s PIC, the company has prioritized high-value, environmentally friendly products.

SK picglobal is already moving aggressively to expand its presence in the AI data center cooling market. Commercial sales of HTF PG25 began in Korea in October 2025, and the company plans to broaden collaborations with data center operators and solution providers both domestically and overseas. This expansion strategy is supported by the company’s strong financial performance—its net sales revenue grew by 45.77% in 2024, with net profit margin increasing by 4.13% over the same period.

An SK picglobal spokesperson commented on the launch: “HTF PG25 will help improve energy efficiency in data centers and reduce carbon emissions. With commercial sales underway in Korea since October and our OCP ‘Inspired’ supplier qualification, we aim to deliver trusted cooling solutions to customers in global markets.”

With the global AI data center liquid cooling market projected to reach $18.1 billion by 2036 at a CAGR of 17.2%, SK picglobal’s launch of HTF PG25 positions it as a key player in the industry. The product’s unique combination of OCP certification, high cooling efficiency, and eco-friendly design not only sets a new standard for Korea’s chemical and AI infrastructure sectors but also reinforces the company’s ambition to become a global leader in sustainable data center cooling solutions.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Website:https://www.sk-picglobal.com/

Phone:+8615365186327

Email:sales3@liwei-chem.com